Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Players to Watch in UA All-American Game

While most Notre Dame fans are waiting for the big game against Alabama on Jan. 7, another contest three days earlier is also very important to the future of the program.

The Under Armour All-American Game will be played on Jan. 4 and it features some of the best high school players in the country. Unsurprisingly, Notre Dame has quite a few future players involved in this showcase.

While many of the top uncommitted players have already ruled out the Irish, these players have already given a verbal commitment and should be impressive in the upcoming all-star game.

He is the latest commitment to the 2013 class and he might end up being one of the best.

Derek Tyson of ESPN reported that Tarean Folston committed to the Irish due to the recent success and the overall atmosphere of the program.

The good news is that Folston is the type of player that can continue the winning ways for Notre Dame. He has great speed and can be a serious playmaker out of the backfield as a running back.

While the offense lacked firepower this season, this player can change that immediately heading into next year.

Alex Anzalone, OLB

Although Alex Anzalone is an outside linebacker, he has a lot of similar qualities to All-American Manti Te'o.

The Pennsylvania native is very impressive against the run and has the range to cover a good portion of the field. He also uses that athleticism in pass coverage, where he is ahead of his peers at the position.

He has the ability to become a leader of the defense in the future when it is his time to step up.

Colin McGovern, OT

While fans love to see the skill players, it is the line that ends up deciding most games. For this reason, Notre Dame made sure it focused on securing a couple of the best offensive tackles in the class.

Colin McGovern is already an elite pass blocker and should settle in as the left tackle of the future for this program. He has a big frame and should be able to put on a lot more size once he gets involved in a college strength and conditioning program.

Zack Martin will not be easy to replace as a blindside protector, but McGovern has the skill to take over the position when he is physically ready.

Hunter Bivin, OT

As opposed to McGovern, Hunter Bivin is better suited as a mauling right tackle. He is stronger in run blocking and has a good amount of athleticism to move around on the line.

Still, this does not mean he struggles in pass blocking. Instead, his reach allows him to slow down even the fastest pass-rushers that attempt to get around the edge.

Bivin is one of the top players in the nation at his position and his talents should be on full display at the Under Armour All-American Game.